Histopathological anomalies in Testis, Ovary, Muscle and Heart of fish, Channa punctatus exposed with Heavy Metal Copper Sulphate

Abstract

Copper is an important trace element for living things to develop and function normally. However, if this element is employed past its safe range, it can transform into continuous metal compounds that can build up in water and disrupt the biological system. Activities related to aquaculture may also be impacted by its rise in environmental contamination. Because of its toxicity, which can be assessed at structural levels of the organism, copper is known to have the potential to harm the non-target animals like fish. The present study aims to assess the histopathological alterations in gonads (testis, ovary), muscle and heart of metal copper sulphate exposed fish Channa punctatus. The acclimatized fishes were exposed to 10% of 96 h-LC₅₀ (0.40 mg/L) of copper sulphate along with a control. After the completion of time intervals, 7, 14 and 21 days, the fish organs, testis, ovary, muscle and heart were dissected out for further evaluation of histopathological manifestations. The results exemplified the conspicuous histopathological anomalies in testis, ovary, muscle and heart of copper sulphate exposed fish Channa punctatus. These organ-specific alterations can be used as structural indicators for evaluating the metal copper sulphate contamination in the aquatic milieu. Moreover, they will be helpful in the management of aquatic environment and its diversity.